Repeating mechanism



May 25; 1943. REYNOLDS 2,320,011

' REPEATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 6, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Damian L. Req nold:

ATTORNEY Ma 25, 1943. D. L. REYNOLDS 2,320,011

I REPEATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 6, 1940 s Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Damian L, Rey holds BY ATTORNEY D. L. REYNOLDS May 25, 1943.

I REPEATING' MECHANISM Filed Feb. 6, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

4 Darn 'avl May 25 1943. D. L. REYNOLDS 2,320,011

REPEATING MECHANISil Filed Feb. 6, 1940 5 Shets-Sheet 4 INVE'NTOR Damian L- 29x holds ATTORNEY 25, 1943. D. L; REYNOLDS I I 2,320,011

REPEATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 6, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Damia L,. ex noldfi M ATTORNEY Patented May 25, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REPEATING MECHANISM Damian L. Reynolds, Burlingame, Calif. Application February 6, 1940, Serial No. 317,609

8 Claims.

This invention relates to a system for distributing a liquid, and more particularly to a system for distributing water through a series of valves, and in predetermined sequence. Such systems for example, may be utilized for filling or emptying of containers as in manufacturing plants, such as breweries, refineries, distilleries, etc. A common use of the system is for irrigation purposes for parks, lawns, gardens, golf courses, or the like.

Irrigation systems for this general purpose are well known. Automatic controls have also been proposed, whereby at definite spaced intervals the valves are opened for a period, each passing water to one or more sprinkler heads. When they are a large number of heads, it has been proposed to provide a series of valves, opening and closing in succession, so that the available water pressure be utilized efiectively.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide a distributing system that performs these functions by simple and inexpensive apparatus.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system in which the valves controlling the sprinkler heads are ensured against leakage.

Weather during times of the year when rain, fog or cold are ordinary occurrences, requires that the automatic distributing system be capable of adjustment to comply with the irrigation requirements. For example, it may happen that for a period of days or even weeks, there should be no artificial irrigation at all. On the other hand, during periods of hot drouths, the amount of irrigation per day should be correspondingly increased. It is another object of my invention to make it possible easily to adjust the period of irrigation, and if desired, to shut down the system until required.

It is still another object of this invention to make it possible to open and close the valves in succession by the aid of a simple rotary master or distributor valve.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. This form will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view, mainly diagrammatic, of a system incorporating the invention, and showing a series of valves, and a master valve or distributor controlling the valves in a cyclic manner;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional View of one of the valves of the series of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side view of the valve structure illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a front View of the control panel upon which the apparatus is supported for controlling the actuation of the valves in the distributing system;

Fig. 5 is a rear view of the panel shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a wiring diagram of the control mechanism;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along plane '!1 of Fig. 4; this figure shows the structure of the master valve or distributor mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along plane 8-8 of Fig. '7;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along plane 9-9 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged front elevation showing particularly the repeater mechanism by the aid of which the number of times the cycle of valve operations is repeated may be determined;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along plane |ll| of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a sectional View taken along plane l2l2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along plane Fig. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken along plane I 4-!4 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional View taken along plane |5l5 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along plane Iii-46 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 17 is a. fragmentary view taken along plane ll-|1 of Fig. 16.

In the present instance, the system is shown as utilized in connection with the distribution of water as for irrigating or sprinkling a lawn or garden or the like. Thus in Fig. 1 there is shown a water main I appropriately supplied from the usual pressure mains, not shown. This water main I is shown as provided with a number of branches 2, 3, 4, etc. Each of these branches is controlled by a valve 5, 6 or i. The outlet side of each of these valves is intended to lead to one or more sprinkler heads appropriately distributed in the area to be irrigated.

By the aid of the present arrangement the valves 5, ii, 7, etc. are opened and closed in succession in an automatic manner. Thus for example valve 5 may be opened and closed before valve 3 is similarly operated. Similarly after valve 6 is closed, valve 1 is caused to open, and so on until all of the valves have been operated. Such a complete series of valve operations, involving successive opening and closing of each of the valves in the series, will be termed a valve operating cycle in the following description.

The mechanism for causing the series of valves clearly in Figs. 1, 2, 3, Z, 8 and 9. As will be apparent from the succeeding description, the .dis-

tributor 8 is provided with a rotatable member which is moved by an appropriate source of motion to operate the valves in succession. For the opening of the valves, use is made of fluid pressure such as conveniently provided by water in the main l. Before describing the mode of operation of the distributor 8, a typical valve structure 5 will be described illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.

This valve structure includes a conventional type of valve body 9, having its inlet connected to branch 2 and having an outlet iii proceeding to one or more sprinkler heads. This body 9 is shown as provided with a transverse valve seat il formed as a flange around a central aperture or opening 12. A valve closure member l3 of conventional form is adapted to seat upon the valve seat H and thereby to interrupt the passage of liquid from inlet 2 to outlet Hi. This valve closure is shown as being detachably joined to the valve stem [4, which carries the flanged threaded collar 15. For this purposathe closure member i3 is provided with a transverse slot 56 having an overhanging edge H adapted to be engaged between the flanges of the collar l5, and thereby the closure member I3 is restrained against material relative axial movement with respect to the stem [4.

The top of the valve body 9 is shown as supporting a flange l8 held securely in place by the nut l9 engaging the upper portion of the body 9. The stem l4 extends upwardly past the flange 58; it may be moved axially upwardly for lifting the valve closure l3 as desired.

For this purpose the flange I8 supports a fluid cylinder and piston mechanism, operating by fliud pressure to urge the stem l4 upwardly.

Thus for example the stem 14 may carry a piston 24. This piston is shown as operating in a cylinder chamber 20 formed in a cylinder body 2|. The piston 24, being concentric with respect to the stem I4, is adapted to be acted upon by fluid pressure from below it and in an upward direction in order to lift the closure l3 from its seat H.

The cylinder body 2| is conveniently supported by the aid of the flange l8. In this way a standard valve construction can readily be modified to provide a hydraulically operated valve structure. For example the body 2| may be provided with a flange 22 joined in fluid tight manner to a support 23. This support 23 also forms the lower wall of the cylinder chamber 2!). It is provided with a central tubular portion terminating in a threaded end 25 engaging the flange 18. The tubular portion of member 23 may also be provided with a flange 26 engaging the top annular surface of flange IS.

The stem I4 is shown as passing through the support 23 and joined integrally to the piston 24. In order to insure that the cylinder chamber 2,0

compression spring and the valve body 9 be separated in fluid tight manner, a packing gland construction may be utilized in support 23. Thus the packing 2'5 is disposed around the stern l 4 and within the sleeve portion of support 23. It is urged into sealing contact by the gland nut 28 and the ring 29.

Water under pressure is intended to be admitted beneath the piston 24. This water may be conducted, for example, by the aid of the port 30 extending through the boss 3! shown as integral with the support 23. To the port 3!] is coupled the conduit 32 leading to the distributor 8 (Fig. 1).

Upon release of fluid pressure the stem i4 is urged downwardly, as for example by the aid of a 33. This spring is housed in a sleeve-like extension 34 projecting above the cylinder body 21. When liquid under pressure is permitted to pass through the port 38, this spring 33 is compressed by upward motion of piston 24; but as soon as the pressure is released, the force of spring 33 is sufficient to return the valve to closed position.

In order to prevent leakage of liquid past the piston 24 upwardly into the chamber space 20, use is made of an annular sealing ring 35 attached to the top edge of piston 24. This sealing ring is intended to engage the upper surface of chamber'ZO and to seal against it when the valve is in open position. The sealing ring may be of soft material, such as soft metal, felt, or the like. By its use the necessity of expensive piston rings is obviated.

At times it may be advantageous to open the valve manually. For this purpose the stem I4 projects upwardly from the body 2| and is shown as carrying a nut 36 with opposed radial pins 31 (Figs. 2 and 3). Furthermore, adjacent thebase of the projection 34 there are a-pair of diametrically slotted bosses 38. These form trunnions or fulcrum bearings. Into the slots may be placed the bearing pins for a lever that operates upon the pins 31 for lifting the stem 14, thereby manually operating the valve.

The manner in which water under pressure may be supplied in succession to the conduits, such as 32, 39, '40, etc., may best be explained in connection with Figs. 7, '8 and 9. The distributor B is shown as comprising a body member 4| and a cooperating flange or cover 42. These two members 4! and 42 may be joined together by the aid of screws 43 passing through the outer flanges 44 and 45 provided on members 4! and 42. In order to render the space defined by members 4! and '42 fluid tight, an appropriate ring gasket 46 may be interposed between the flanges 44 and 4.5.

Conveniently the distributor structure may be supported upon the front wall 41 of the panel structure, as by the aid of four bolts 48. These bolts v48 are shown .as passing through spacer sleeves 49 interposed between cover i2 and the sheet metal wall 41.

From each of the valves 5, .5, 1,-etc. a conduit such .as 62, .39 or 40 leads to apertures or ports 5| in the cover member 42, as by the aid ofelbows, such as 518. As shown most clearly in Figs. 1 and 8, the apertures orports 5! are formed in the cover member 42, and are located on two concentric circles and in staggered relation. By the aid of a rotatable valving member 52, these apertures or ports, and therefore the conduits 32, 39, 410, etc., may be placed in succession and cyclically into communication with a source of water pressure.

This rotary member '52is shown in the present instance as being rotatably supported by the aid of an integral shaft 53 journaled in a sleeve or bearing 54 formed on the cover member 42. The member 52 has a diameter coextensive with the diameter of the chamber formed by the body member 4| and cover member 42 and forms a fluid tight fit against the cover member 42, as by appropriate grinding of the contacting surfaces. By rotating shaft 53 in a manner to be hereinafter described, the rotary member 52 is caused, in succession, to pass fluid under pressure to the conduits 32, 39, 45, etc.

For this purpose the member 52 provides a radial conduit 56, in a radial rib 44. Conduit 56 is adapted to be supplied with water under pressure in a manner to be hereinafter described. Leading into the radial conduit 56 are a pair of radially spaced apertures 51 and 58. The radial separation of these apertures 51 and 58 corresponds to the radial spacing of the concentric circles on which are located the centers of the apertures or ports 5| in cover 42.

The left hand surface 59 of the rotatable member 52 is urged in fluid tight manner against the inner surface of cover 42, in a manner to be hereinafter described. As rotatable member 52 is rotated by shaft 53, first one aperture 51 will align with a port 5|; upon continued rotation, say in a clockwise direction, the other aperture 58 will be later aligned with a port 5|. It is thus seen that as member 52 is rotated, aperture 51 will in succession become aligned with those ports 5| that are located on the outer circle in cover 42; and the aperture 58 will in succession be aligned with those ports 5| which are located on the inner circle of cover 42. Since these ports 5| are staggered, as heretofore explained, the apertures 51 and 58 are alternatively active, only one conduit such as 32, 39, 48, etc., being in communication at a time with the port 56 in the rotatable member 52.

The manner in which water under pressure is passed to the port 58 in member 52 will now be described. The body member 4| is shown as provided with a rearwardly extending boss 68. If desired, a series of stiifening vanes or ribs 6| may also be provided. The rotary member 52 is provided with a rearwardly extending member 62 projecting through the boss 60. It is provided with a central or axial aperture 63 communicating with the port 55. Furthermore, a boss 64 may be formed integrally with the member 52 providing a sliding guide within the sleeve 60. This sleeve also houses a compression spring 65 by the aid of which the member 52 is urged toward the left into fluid tight relationship with the cover 42. The right hand end of this compression spring 55 is shown as abutting a collar 65 slidably mounted in the boss 65. It is limited against movement toward the right by the end flange of sleeve 65. The left hand end of spring 55 is shown as abutting against a similar collar 61 slidable in the boss 58, and abutting the boss 64 of member 52.

The axial extension 62 passes through a gland structure 68. This gland structure is carried on a flange 69 (Fig. 5) attached to the end of boss 68. The gland 58 includes the seal 10 disposed around the extension 62, and the gland nut 1|. Into the end of this gland nut is affixed an elbow 12 to which is connected the conduit 13. This conduit 13, as shown most clearly in Fig. 1, connects directly to the water main Water under pressure, therefore, is continually supplied through conduit 13 and nut 1| to the passage 63 and port 56. The surfaces of contact between the rotating element 52 and cover 42, being ground to provide an accurate fit, prevent material leakage of liquid past the rotatable member 52. The spring 65, of course, assists in maintaining fluid tight contact between the cover 42 and member 52.

Provisions are made for releasing the pressure of the liquid in the conduits 32, 39, 40, etc., when it is desired to close the cor-responding valves; and this occurs when the rotatable member 52 is moved out of register with the corresponding conduit. For this purpose the member 52 is provided with another pair of drain apertures 14 and 15 (Figs. 8 and 9). These aperturm are angularly spaced respectively from apertures 51 and 58 by an angle equal to the angular spacing between adjacent ports 5|. Thus as member 52 is moved so as to align one or the other aperture 51 or 58 with the .port 5|, a corresponding aperture 15 or 14 is placed in communication with that conduit of the series of conduits 32, 39, 46, etc., which had been just supplied with water under pressure. Accordingly the water can drain from that conduit through one of the apertures 14 or 15, into the space defined by body 4| and cover 42, and thence through conduit 16 to the drain. A branch draining conduit 11 is also illustrated extending to an aperture 18 in the cover 42, and in communication with a recess 19 formed in the left hand portion of member 52. This drain conduit 11 and aperture 18 are provided to ensure the drainage of any liquid that may possibly leak past the member 52.

The distributor mechanism just described is so arranged that the rotary member 52 is given a step by step motion in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 8. The angular extent of each motion is such as to correspond to the angular spacing of the ports 5|. In this way, as heretofore explained, one port 5| is in communication with the liquid supplying port 55 and that port next to it in a counterclockwise direction is in communication with the draining conduit 16. As the step by step motion continues, the valves are thus caused to open and to close in succession.

The mechanism for imparting the step by step motion to the shaft 53 which carries the rotary member 52 may be best understood by reference to Figs. 4 and '1. The shaft 53 has keyed to it a hub 19. This hub is shown as attached to a ratchet wheel 88. This ratchet wheel is adapted to be advanced in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4, by the aid of a pawl 8|. This pawl is shown as pivotally mounted on a pin 82 carried by a lever 83. This lever 83 is mounted for free rotation on the shaft 53, as by the aid of the bearing boss 84. The pawl 8| may be appropriately urged, as by a helical spring 85, into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 88. As shown most clearly Fig. 7, a spacer washer 86 is interposed between the ratchet wheel 83 and the hub or boss 84 of lever 83.

.The lever 83 extends radially for a considerable distance from the axis of shaft 53. It is restricted in its angular motion by the stop guide 81 fastened to the front wall 21 and forming with this wall an opening through which the lever 83 extends.

Lever 83 moves the ratchet wheel 85 in a clockwise direction by aid of the pawl 8|, when the lever is moved in a clockwise direction by the aid of the tension spring 88. This tension spring is anchored at its top end to the lever 83. Its lower end is anchored in an adjustable anchor 89 supported on the wall member 41. During the period of inactivity of lever 83, spring 88 urges it against a stop formed by the screw 98 which serves to support the stop member 81.

The counterclockwise actuation of lever 83is eifected by the aid of a crank 9| (Fig. 14) This crank 5-H is supported on a shaft 92 rotated by a source of motion as hereinafter described. It is sufiicient for the present to note that the crank 9| carries a crank roller 93 contacting the lower edge of the lever 83. As the crank shaft 92 rotates in a clockwise direction, it is apparent that once each revolution it will impart a counterclockwise motion to the lever 83 against the tension of spring 88. Of course, for this motion, the spring pressed pawl 8| simply rides over the teeth in the ratchet wheel 88.

As soon as the crank roller 93 passed out from under the lever 83, spring 88 is free to act to return the lever 83 to the position indicated in Fig. 4. This return movement is effective through pawl 8I to rotate the ratchet wheel 80 by one tooth. The angular movement thus secured is that which is required to cause the rotary member 52 of the distributor 8 to be moved through an angle corresponding to the angular spacing of the ports 5|.

The continued rotation of crank shaft 92 obviously causes the distributor mechanism to be progressed in a step by step manner. by step mechanism serves to operate the valves in the system in a cyclic manner and the cycles continue one after another so long as crank shaft 92 is operated. As will be described hereinafter, motion of this crank shaft 9?. is determinable, so as to stop the mechanism after a certain number of complete cycles of operation has been com pleted. One cycle. of course, corresponds to one complete revolution of the ratchet wheel 88. If

desired, a pointer as (Fig. '7) may be attached to L the shaft 53 to indicate upon appropriate marks on the wall 41 which one of the valves 5, 6, I, etc. is open. The position of the shaft 53 determines which of the ports 5! is in communication with the source of water pressure; therefore, pointer 94 may indicate which port 5! is open.

The rate of rotation of crank shaft 92 obviously determines the length of time for which each of the valves 5, 6, I, etc. is maintained open, when operated in each cycle. In the present instance the period required for one complete rotation of this crank shaft lever can be adjusted, the shortest period being of the order of four minutes, and the longest period, of the orderof' six minutes. The gear train and the source of motion for operating it are shown most clearly in Figs. 5, 14, 15, 16 and 17.

In the present instance the source of motion for rotating the crank shaft 82 is represented by a small electric motor 95 (Fig. 5). This motor is shown as supported appropriately upon a bracket 93 fastened to the rear of the wall 41. The electric motor 95 is shown as driving a worm 98 through coupling 91, and shaft 99, appropriately journaled in a bracket I88. As shown most clearly in Fig. 14, this bracket I88 is supported on a plate IEH, in spaced parallel relation with the front wall 4%]. Spacer sleeves I82 and bolts I81, serve to support the plate IUI on wall 41. The worm 98 is shown as driving a worm wheel I 84 fastened to a shaft Hi5. This shaft, as shown most clearly in 14, is appropriately journaled in the plate I IiI and another plate I06 spaced apart by appropriate spacers on the bolts I83, I01, thus supported on the front panel 41.

This step Reduction gearing from shaft I05 to the crank shaft 92 can be provided by any conventional type of change gear mechanism for varying the ratio of transmission. In the present instance the shaft I85 is shown as carrying three axially spaced gears I88, I88 and III! of decreasing sizes. Gear I88 meshes with a gear III (Fig. 5 This gear liI'is mounted on its own shaft IIZ, appropriately supported in the plate H3 and on the plate IUI. Plate H3 is supported similarly to plates IiiI'and I88.

Gear I88 immediately back of gear I88 is in mesh with gear II I, also mounted on its own independent shaft. Finally the gear I III is in mesh with still another gear H5, also independently mounted on its shaft H6. The three gears III, I I4 and I I5 are so arranged as optionally to drive a gear wheel H1 in driving relation with the crank shaft 92. The gear wheel I88, being the largest, will drive the shaft 82 at maximum speed, and similarly gear wheel IIU being the smallest, will drive the crank shaft 92 at the slowest rate through its intermediate gear II 5.

The gear wheel III is accordingly made slidable on shaft 92 so that it may readily be placed in mesh with either one of the three gears III, H4 and H5. For this purpose its hub H8 is splined to the shaft 92. The shaft 92 is restrained against axial motion by the aid of the collars H9 fastened to the shaft 92 and supported on opposite sides of the intermediate frame member I86.

The manner in which the gear wheel III may be adjusted is indicated more clearly in Figs. 15, 16 and 1'7. Thus hub II8 for gear wheel I I! is provided with an annular groove in which is accommodated the shift fork arms I26. The shift fork IZI extends radially of the shaft 92. At its radial extremity it is provided with sleeve I22 through which passes the shift rod I23. This shift rod supports the fork I2I, and passes through the frame elements IIII and I63, as well as through the front wall ll. At its front end it carries the handle member I24. By axial movement imparted to the rod I23 by the aid of handle I24, the shift fork IZi can be moved in a direction such as to adjust the axial position of gear III. In order to lock the gear I I? in any set position, the rod I23 is provided with the reduced portions or looking grooves I25, I28 and I2?. Into these grooves may drop the locking lever I28 pivoted to the front wall 1. The lock lever I2 3 may be lifted to unlock the shift rod I23. The rod I23 can then be adjusted as desired, and the locking lever I28 rotated into locking position with any one of the three grooves I25, I25 and I21,

As thus far described, it is seen that the distributor mechanism 8 is driven by the electric motor 95. As long as the electric motor 95' is active, the distributor mechanism continues to operate, and cyclic valve operation continues- The number of complete rotations of ratchet wheel 30 corresponds to the number of cycles of operation of the valve system.

The arrangement is such, however, that the motor 95 may be automatically timed so that it will be actuated only at a definite timaaud also its period of operation corresponding to a' definite number of cycles may also be predetermined. Thereafter the motor 95 is deenergized' and is not again energized until the timing device is again active. The automatic control of motor Q5 can be best described in connection with Figs. 4, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

As shown most clearly in Fig. 6, the circuit for motor 95 may be completed across electric mains I29 and I through a circuit control mechanism I3I. This circuit control I3I (Figs, 11 and 12) is shown in the present instance as being in the form of a mercury dump switch. This mechanism includes a mercury well I32 and a body of mercury I33 therein. This well I32 is provided with a support I34 fastened as by key I35 to a rocking shaft I365.

The body of mercury I33 is adapted to complete either of two circuits. Thus at the right hand portion of the device I3I are the pair of contacts or electrodes I31 and I38, immersed in the mercury well I32, when it is in the posi-- tion of Fig. 12. The circuit is completed between these two electrodes by the body of mercury. However, when the mercury well I32 is rocked from the position of Fig. 12 to the position of Fig, 6, the circuit between electrodes I31 and I38 is interrupted, and the circuit between the other pair of electrodes or contacts I39 and I49 is completed. The manner in which the rocking shaft I36 is moved to either of the two positions illustrated in Figs. 12 and 6 will be described hereinafter. For the present it is sufficient to note that electrodes I31 and I38 control the circuit for the source of motion 95. Thus when circuit is completed through electrodes I31 and I38, the motor circuit 95 may be traced as follows: from main I29 through fuse I43, overriding switch I44 (which may be in the form of an ordinary toggle switch or snap switch), motor 95, electrodes I31 and I38, connections I45 and I46, fuse I41, back to main I30. I It is clear that this circuit can be completed only when the mercury switch is in the position of Fig. 12 and when the overriding switch I44 is closed. This switch I44 is provided to make it possible to shut down the operation of the mechanism for as long a period as desired.

The placing of switch I 3| in the position of Fig. 12 to complete the circuit just traced, is dependent upon the operation of an electric time switch mechanism I48, This mechanism may have adjustable pointers I49. By the aid of these pointers, the time when a circuit controller or time switch I is closed may be set. When the set time arrives the switch I50 closes. This in turn causes an intermediate circuit to be closed, which in turn operates to dump the switch I3! from the position of Fig. 6 to the position of Fig. 12. This intermediate circuit may be traced as follows: from main I29, fuse I43, connection I5I, switch I50, connection I52, contacts I39 and I40, overriding switch I53, electromagnet or solenoid I54. and connection I46, fuse I41, back to main I39. The overriding switch I53 is provided in the solenoid circuit in order to make it possible to render the time switch totally inoperative. This may be desirable when long periods of inactivity of the device is intended. For short periods of interruption the motor overriding switch I44 may be manipulated,

The time switch mechanism I 43 is preferably of the self-starting synchronous type with a twenty-four hour dial, making it possible to determine what time of a twenty-four hour day the irrigation system is to begin its operation.

The energization of solenoid I54 causes the core I55 of the solenoid to operate the dump switch I 3| mechanically and to place it in the position of Fig. 12. As soon as this occurs, the solenoid I54 is deenergized and is not again energized until the time switch I50 is operated again. However, once the motor 95 is operated.

it causes ratchet wheel to be rotated through a predetermined number of revolutions, corresponding to the number of complete cycles of valve operations that are to be performed.

The manner in which the repeater mechanism, shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13, operates to effect this result will now be described.

Referring to the dump switch mechanism I3I, (Figs. 11, 12 and 13), rocking shaft I36 is pivotally supported on frame members I55 and I56. These frame members are appropriately supported on the wall 41, as by the aid of the spacer sleeves I51 and the through bolts I58. The support I34 for the dump switch I3I carries an integral depending arm I M. At the free end of the arm I4I there is a pin I42 which projects beyond the frame elements I56. This frame member has opposite stop surfaces I91, I98 in the path of pin I42, for limiting the motion of shaft I36 to a restricted angle. Pin I42 also serves as an anchor for one end of a tension spring I59. The upper end of this tension spring is anchored in an anchor hook I60 attached to the frame element I56 by one of the bolts I58.

The anchor I60 (Fig. 12) for spring I59 is so located, that rotation of the rock shaft I36 in a counterclockwise direction, first of all causes the spring I59 to be elongated. The maximum elongation occurs when the opposite ends of spring I59 and the axis of shaft I36 are in alignment; in the example shown, when the spring axis is vertical. Beyond that point, the rock shaft I36 is rapidly snapped over center by the contractile force of the tension spring I 59. The dump switch then takes the position of Fig. 6. The reverse action, back to the position of Fig. 12 is accomplished by rotating the rocking shaft I36 past center in a clockwise direction until the tension of spring I 59 can serve to snap the dump switch I3I to the position of Fig. 12. The manner in which the rocking shaft I36 is thus snapped over center in one direction or the other will now be described. The snapping over action to energize the motor occurs immediately upon energization of the solenoid I54. The motor is then energized and continues to be energized until a certain number of rotations of ratchet wheel 86 occurs. Thereupon the rocking shaft I36 is rotated from the position of Fig. 12 to interrupt the motor circuit. At the same time, it is preset to complete the solenoid circuit, as soon as the time switch I50 is closed for the succeeding days operation of the system.

The repeater mechanism, predetermining or limiting the number of revolutions of ratchet wheel 80, includes a repeater segment wheel I6I. This repeater segment wheel is arranged to be advanced by a unit of angular motion after the completion of each revolution of the ratchet wheel 80. The segment wheel I6I for this purpose is arranged to be advanced in a counterclockwise direction about the axis of a hollow sleeve I62 (Fig. 11). The wheel I6I is keyed to this sleeve. It is journalled in the bearing boss I63 fastened to the front wall 41. A collar I64 fastened to the sleeve I62 prevents axial motion of sleeve I 62 toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 11.

The segment wheel I6I is constantly urged in a clockwise direction by the aid of a spring I65. However, it may be restrained from clockwise motion by the aid of a stopping pawl I66. This stopping pawl carries a pin I 61 adapted to engage the shoulder of one of the teeth 209 provided in the segment I 6 I. This stopping pawl IE6 is pivotally supported on the wall 41, as by the aid of the screw I168. The pawl I66 is provided with areleasing arm I69; This releasing arm is in the path of a pin I19 carried on a movable lever I1 I, pivoted by the aid of a bolt I12 on the wall 41.

. Lever I1 I is arranged to be actuated to release pawl I66 when the time switch I59 is closed, to cause initiation of the operation of the system. The motion of segment wheel I6I under the influen'ce of spring I65, causes dump switch I3I to attain, the position of Fig. 12.. The lever I1I has an arm I13 joined as by a link I14 to the core I55 of electromagnet or solenoid I54, as shown most clearly in Fig. 10. When the solenoid I54 is energized, by closing of switch I59, the lever arm I13 is lifted from. stop pin I15, and, ultimately pin I10 engages the releasing arm I69; When. this occurs the, pawl I66 is lifted out of the path of the teeth on segment wheel IGI. This segment wheel then is actuated by the. spring I65 to the.

position of Fig. 10.; it is stopped in that position by a stop pin I16 attached to the wall 41:.

The manner which this rotation of the se ment. IfiI serves to dump the switch I31: to the position of Fig. 12, will now be described. For :2"

this purpose sleeve I62 has keyed. to it anarm [11 (Figs. 11 and 13)., The end. of this arm is arranged to contact a pin. I162 carried on the end of a lever I19. This lever has a hub I69 fastened to the rocking shaft wheel I6I, through lever I11, pin I18, and lever arm I19, can rock the shaft I36 inv a clockwisedirection asviewed in Figs. 12 and 13.

In the position of Fig. 13 the pin I18 and lever I136. Thus rotation of I19 has been urged by lever II1' to the over cenll ter position, permitting the spring, I59 to rock the support I34 to the: position of Fig. 12.. It is thus seen. that upon release of: the segment wheel [BI by lifting of pawl I166, the dump switch I3I serves to close the circuit for motor 95. At 4 the same time, the circuit for solenoid I54 is inte'rrupted through contacts I39? and I40, and accordinglythe holding pawl I66 willbe returned. totheposition of Fig. 1.0. The lever I1I is also returned to this: inactive position, as by spring tension. applied in a manner to be hereinafter explained- The: segment wheel-1 I6I. is arranged to be advanc'ed step by step in a counterclockwise direction from the position of Fig. 10 in response to each completion of, a cycle of valve operation. For this purpose the, ratchet wheel 39 is provided with a, pin I8I projecting outwardly from the face of: the ratchet wheel. For each revolutionof the ratchet: wheel 89, the pin I8I operates 1 bell crank lever I82. appropriately journaled on the wall 4:1. Thisbell crank: lever I82 is intended to operate upon aconnectinglink, I83, which may be adjustable to. correspond with the require ments. This link I83, as shown. most clearly in Figs. 10 and 11, is connected to a lever I84. This lever I84 is mounted for free. rotation upon the sleeve I62 and is placed intermediate the hub of segment wheel I61 and bearing boss I 63.

At its, upper end this lever I914 pivotally carries an advancing pawl I65. This advancing pawl has a tooth engaging pin I86 adapted to engage the teeth 296: of the segment wheel [61.

From the foregoing it is seen that after each rotation of ratchet wheel 69, the segment wheel IGI is arranged to. be advanced in a counterclockwise direction to' the extent of one tooth. A spring return is provided for the pawl lever I84. For" example, a tension Spring I61 may be an-- chored between lever arm I13 and the lever I84- in order to apply proper return forces to both of these elements.

Furthermore, when solenoid I54 is energized, the advancing pawl I95 is released at the same time that the holding pawl I66 is released. For this purpose the advancing pawl I85 has an arm I68 in the path of a pin I89 carried at the end of lever Hi. When lever I1I is rotated in a counterclockwise direction against the tension of spring I81 by the motion of core I55 upwardly, the pin I99 will engage the arm I88 and rotate the pawl I85 out of engagement with the wheel I6I. Simultaneously the holding pawl I66, as heretofore explained, is also released.

The energization of the solenoid I54 to efiect this result is accomplished only when time switch I59 is closed. However, as wheel I6I is advanced in a counterclockwise direction, it ultimately causes dump switch I3I to open the circuit of motor 95.

The operation of the dump switch I3I to move it to the motor circuit opening position of Fig. 6 is accomplished by the aid of a lever I96 (Figs. 11 and 13), fastened to a shaft I9I that is also coupled to the segment wheel I6I so as to be rotated thereby. Lever I99, upon sufficient counterclockwise rotation of shaft I9I engages the pin I18 and carries it past the over center position, causing the dump switch to move to the position of Fig; 6. The relative angular positions of levers I11 and I99 are adjustable by the aid of the mechanism now to be described. By this means the number of cycles of valve operation may be predetermined, for this relative angular position determines the required angular motion of wheel I6I in a counterclockwise direction to operate switch I3I.

Shaft I9I thus carrie an adjusting spring lever I92, as by the aid of a hub I93 keyed to shaft I-9I. This lever I92 carries an adjusting pin I94 adapted to engage in any one of a numberof apertures I95 in the segment wheel I6I. For ready manipulation of the shaft I9I, a handle I96 is provided, by the aid of which the pin I94 may be disengaged from any of the apertures I95 and shaft I9I rotated relative to sleeve I62, to align the pin I94 with any other aperture I95. There are as many pin retaining apertures I95 as there are teeth 299; thus the angular separation a; of levers I11 and I99 corresponds to the number of times the segment wheel I6! must be advanced by the angularspacing of the teeth to cause lever I99 to move rocking lever I36 to the switching position of Fig. 6. Thus for the setting shown in Figs. 10 and 13, but one cycle of operation is required to dump the switch I3I to the position of Fig. 6. By moving pin I94 into any of the succeeding apertures I95, the number of cycles performed before operating switch I9! may be chosen to be greater than one.

Thus adjusting the angular spread between these two levers I11 and I69 (Fig. 13), determined when the lever arm I99 engages pin I19 to interrupt the circuit for motor 95 by moving switch I3I to the position of Fig. 6. At the same time the circuit for solenoid I54 is preset for the next period of operations, through contacts By appropriate choice of the angular spacing of the teeth on segment wheel I61, and by appropriate adjustment of the advancing mechanism, it is seen that it is possible to cause an advancement of segment wheel I6I to the extent of one tooth for each revolution of the ratchet wheel 89.

A brief summary of the mode of operation may now be set forth. When the apparatus is inactive, awaiting the time when the time switch I50 is to close, the switch I 3I is in the position of Fig. 6; that is, the motor circuit 95 is opened. The segment wheel IBI is in a position advanced from that of Fig. 10; that is, it had been rotated to a position such that the lever I90 had dumped the switch I3I to the position of Fig. 6. Now when the time switch I48 closes the circuit controller I50, the solenoid I54 is energized. This immediately causes the release of pawls I85 and I66 and the segment wheel I! returns to the position of Fig. 10. This motion also causes lever I TI to actuate, by the aid of pin I'IB, the rock shaft I36. The dump switch I3! then assumes the position of Fig. 12. As soon as this occurs, the solenoid circuit is interrupted at contacts I39 and I40 and the motor circuit is established at contacts I37 and I38. The motor 95 then beins to rotate the rotary member 52 of the distributor 8 through the train of gearing illustrated in Fig. 14. For each revolution of the rotary member 52 a cyclic operation Of all of the valves 5, 6, I, etc. is accomplished. For each revolution of the ratchet wheel 80 the segment wheel I6I is advanced by one tooth in a counterclockwise direction. After a predetermined number of cycles, determined by the setting of lever I92 carrying the pin I94, the lever I90 causes the dump switch I3I to return to the position of Fig. 6. However, the solenoid circuit is not again energized because b that time the time switch I48 is opened. Accordingly the solenoid circuit is not energized again until the succeeding energization of the time switch I48. At that time the operation just described is repeated.

The number of cycles of valve operation is readily adjusted by the mechanism illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. The period of operation of each valve in the system is adjusted by adjusting the shift rod I23 shown in Fig. 16. The system, although fiexible, is substantially entirely automatic. It requires little attention and is reliable in operation.

What is claimed is:

1. In a repeating mechanism, a rotatable assembly comprising a pair of rotatable members, means for locking said members to rotate together, said means enabling adjustment of the relative angular position of the members, means forming a stop for said assembly, means resiliently urging the assembly against said stop, a cyclic device adapted to rotate said assembly in a step by step manner away from said stop, and means actuated upon the arrival of said members to definite angular positions for controlling the operation of said cyclic device.

2. In a repeating mechanism, a rotatable assembly comprising a pair of rotatable coaxial members, means for locking said members to rotate together, said means enabling adjustment of the relative angular position of the members, means forming a stop for said assembly, means resiliently urging the assembly against said stop, a cyclic device adapted to rotate said assembly in a step by step manner away from said stop, a pair of arms respectively secured to said members and extending radially therefrom, the extremities of said arms being angularly spaced, and means for controlling the operation of said cyclic device and actuated by a member interposed between said arms, one of said arms serving to actuate the control means to initiate operation of the cyclic device, the other arm serving to actuate the control means to stop operation of said device.

3. In a repeating mechanism, an assembly comprising a pair of rotatable members, means for optionally locking said members for simultaneous rotation, said means permitting adjustment of the relative angular position of the members, a cyclic device, a releasable connec tion whereby said device rotates said assembly in a step by step manner, means resiliently urging the assembly to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation caused by said device, a stop for limiting rotation of the assembly in response to said last mentioned means, latch means prevent ing rotation of said assembly in response to said urging means, means for simultaneously releasing said connection and said latch after a predetermined travel of said assembly, and control means for said device actuated by rotation of said assembly through a definite distance.

4. In a repeating mechanism, a rotatable as sembly comprising a pair of relatively angularly adjustable arms carried by said assembly, a cyclic device for rotating said assembly from an initial position to a predetermined position, means for returning said assembly to its initial position, a motor for operating said cyclic device, and a circuit controller for the motor actuated by one of said arms for energizing the motor and by the other arm for deenergizing the motor, in re sponse to rotation of said assembly.

5. In a repeating mechanism, a rotatable assembly comprising a pair of relatively angularly adjustable arms carried by said assembly, a cyclic device for rotating said assembly from an initial position to a predetermined position, means for returning said assembly to it initial position, a motor for operating said cyclic device, and a circuit controller for said motor, actuated by one of said arms for deenergizing the motor when the assembly reaches said predetermined position, and actuated by the other arm for energizing the motor when the assembly returns to its initial position.

6. In a repeating mechanism, a rotatable assembly, comprising a tubular outer shaft, means rotatably supporting said outer shaft, a segment secured to said outer shaft, an inner shaft rotatably sup-ported within the outer shaft, an adjusting lever secured to said inner shaft, means carried by said lever and adapted to engage the segment whereby the inner shaft and the segment are locked for rotation as a unit, a pair of levers secured respectively to said shafts, means continuously urging said assembly to rotate in one direction, a cyclic device adapted to rotate the assembly in the opposite direction, latch means for preventing return of the assembly to its initial position in response to said continu ously urging means, means controlling the operation of the cyclic device, one of said levers actuating said means to initiate operation of said device, the other lever actuating said means to stop operation of said device.

7. In a system of the character described, a cyclic device, an electric motor for operating said device through repeated cycles, a circuit fo the motor, a repeater mechanism including a rotatable member operated in a step by step manner by said device from an initial position to a definite position, means urging said member to return to its initial position, a pawl for preventing return of said member to its initial position,

controller for both said circuits operated by the an initial position to a definite position, means urging said member to return to its, initial position, apawl for preventing return of said memher to its initial position, electromagnetic means for releasing said pawl as Well as said connection, a circuit for said electromagnetic means, and a controller for both said circuits operated by the repeater mechanism, said controller being arranged to cause energization of one of said circuits when the rotatable member is in its initial position, and to cause energization of the other circuit when said member is in said definite position.

DADMAN L. REYllOLDS. 

